Platform for raising the bindings for a boot, and board for gliding over snow equipped with such a platform

ABSTRACT

A raising platform ( 6 ) is intended for mounting on the upper surface ( 3 ) of a board ( 1 ) for gliding over snow in order to receive and to raise the bindings securing a user&#39;s boot to a board ( 1 ) for gliding over snow. The raising platform ( 6 ) is divided into two longitudinal parts ( 9, 10 ) that are each placed directly on the upper surface ( 3 ) of the board ( 1 ) for gliding over snow and that are connected together by at least one bridge ( 11 ).

[0001] The present invention relates to a platform for raising thebindings for a boot of a user of a board for gliding over snow.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a board for gliding oversnow, such as a ski, a monoski or a snowboard, equipped with a platformfor raising the bindings for a boot.

[0003] A platform for raising the bindings is attached in the underfootzone of a board for gliding, in the region of its upper surface. Theplatform is fixed to the board either directly by means of screws, inorder to obtain a rigid link, or by virtue of elastic return means inthe form, for example, of a layer of material having damping properties.

STATE OF THE ART

[0004] A platform is known from document EP-1,023,926, which has theform of two central support elements on which two distinct longitudinaluprights are placed in an overhanging fashion. Two rigid platesconnecting the two mounting zones in pairs are screwed to each of thetwo ends of the two longitudinal uprights to make it possible to mountthe binding elements.

[0005] A platform is also known from documents FR-2,774,001 and U.S.Pat. No. 6,217,055, having the form of four distinct longitudinalmounting zones. A first transverse plate is screwed to the two frontmounting zones and a second transverse plate is screwed to the two rearmounting zones.

[0006] The main drawback of this platform is the absence of flexibilitywhich may exist between the two mounting zones which are fully coupledmechanically both by the central support elements and by the two rigidend plates. Furthermore, this type of platform arrangement is difficultto assemble and is relatively heavy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The object of the invention is to propose a board for glidingover snow with a platform which is lighter by virtue of a choice ofshape and which, moreover, makes it possible to separate the left andright bearing forces so as to transmit the forces applied by the useronto the board and the forces generated more directly in the region ofthe left edge or the right edge.

[0008] The platform according to the invention also makes it possible togive the board for gliding a novel, very slender esthetic appearance,which can allow the protective and decorative layer of the board forgliding to remain visible. The platform according to the invention isalso easy to manufacture and to mount on the ski, by virtue of itsintegral structure. In the present invention, the binding elements aremounted directly on the platform, without the need for an intermediatesecuring part.

[0009] A raising platform is intended for fitting on the upper surfaceof a board for gliding over snow in order to receive and to raise thebindings securing a user's boot to the board for gliding over snow.

[0010] According to the invention, the raising platform is wherein it isdivided into two longitudinal parts that are each directly placed on theupper surface of the board for gliding over snow and that are connectedtogether by at least one bridge.

[0011] The term “bridge” is understood to mean a central part physicallylocated between the two longitudinal parts and interconnecting them.Preferably, the bridge may be located under the boot. The platform maycomprise a bridge that will be positioned between the lines fortransmission of the bearing forces of the skier's boot on the platform.Favorably, the platform may comprise a bridge located at the front endof the two longitudinal parts. Favorably, also, the platform maycomprise a bridge located at the rear end of the two longitudinal parts.The platform may preferably be produced with one or a number of bridges,which may be in a single piece with each of the two longitudinal parts.The bridge or bridges may also be located in a plane parallel to thegliding sole of the board for gliding over snow. Advantageously, thebridge may have at least one recess.

[0012] Preferably, and in another embodiment, at least one of the twolongitudinal parts of the platform may comprise at least one recesslocated in the region of its face of contact with the upper surface ofthe board for gliding over snow. This or these recesses may be filledwith one or more materials which have properties of elasticity anddamping.

[0013] In certain cases, when the two longitudinal parts are actuallyseparated from one another, a spacing may be provided between the twolongitudinal parts. This spacing may be left free. This spacing may alsobe filled by a convex zone of the board for gliding over snow whichprojects relative to the upper surface of the upper protective anddecorative layer of the board for gliding over snow. This spacing mayalso be filled with one or more materials having low. stiffness inflexure.

[0014] In a particularly advantageous manner, at least one of the twolongitudinal parts of the platform may itself be divided transverselyinto at least two transverse pieces. One or more spaces located betweenat least one of the transverse pieces which are separated from oneanother may be filled with one or more materials having properties ofelasticity and damping.

[0015] The two longitudinal parts may, advantageously, and in a thirdembodiment, be secured to a board for gliding over snow which may have athickness in the region of the front portion of the zone for fitting theupper platform to the thickness in the region of the rear portion of thezone for fitting the platform.

[0016] To secure it to the board for gliding over snow, at least one ofthe two longitudinal parts of the platform may favorably comprise twodifferent anchoring zones. At least a first anchoring zone may allow afixed positioning relative to the board for gliding over snow. At leasta second anchoring zone, which is different from the first zone, mayallow a positioning with sliding relative to the board for gliding oversnow. One of the anchoring zones may favorably be provided in the regionof the bridge or bridges.

[0017] Preferably, at least one of the two longitudinal parts of theplatform may have a tubular structure. This tubular structure may beprovided over a part of or over all its length and over a part of orover all its width.

[0018] In another embodiment, at least one of the two longitudinal partsof the platform may extend laterally via at least one lateral portion.The or the two right and left lateral portions may then descend overeach of the two lateral sides of the board for gliding toward the edgesof the board for gliding over snow. The lateral portion or the twolateral portions may, optionally, bear on the board for gliding oversnow over the lateral sides. One or more of the lateral portions mayvery favorably each be located in the region of the bridge or bridges.In a variant of this embodiment, the lower edge of the lateral portionor portions of at least one of the two longitudinal parts of theplatform may, in a longitudinal plane, have a non-zero angle ofinclination relative to the gliding sole of the board for gliding oversnow.

[0019] A right or left lateral portion of at least one of the twolongitudinal parts may be positioned in the region of the zone forinstallation of the front stop of the binding for the boot on the boardfor gliding over snow. A right or left lateral portion of at least oneof the two longitudinal parts may be positioned in the region of thezone for installation of the rear heelpiece of the binding for the booton the board for gliding over snow. A lateral portion of at least one ofthe two longitudinal parts may be positioned in the region of the zonefor installation of the front stop of the binding for the boot on theboard for gliding over snow and a lateral portion of at least one of thetwo longitudinal parts may be positioned in the region of the zone forinstallation of the rear heelpiece of the binding for the boot on theboard for gliding over snow.

[0020] The platform may have an asymmetry of length between the twolongitudinal parts. The platform may have an asymmetry of width betweenthe two longitudinal parts. The platform may have an asymmetry of themeans for fitting between the two longitudinal parts. The platform mayhave an asymmetry in the number of transverse pieces between the twolongitudinal parts. The platform may have an asymmetry of structure andof materials between the two longitudinal parts.

[0021] In the case of a competition ski, the purpose of the asymmetriesmentioned above is to improve the behavior of the two skis when turning,the racer bearing on both his skis. In the case of a recreational ski,the aim of the asymmetries mentioned above is to offer two types ofbehavior, depending on whether the skier places his pair of skisleft/right or, conversely, right/left. This enables the average skier tohave the advantage of two pairs of skis in one, i.e. a ski morespecifically dedicated to wide-radius turns and a ski more specificallydedicated to short-radius turns.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the invention, a board forgliding over snow is equipped with a platform as described above.

[0023] The board for gliding may have, on at least one of the two sides,a lateral notch located over the sides and allowing a positioning of therespective lateral portion of at least one of the two longitudinal partsof the platform. Interestingly, the upper surface of the board forgliding over snow may be substantially flush with the rigid upper faceof at least one of the two longitudinal parts of the platform. The uppersurface of the board for gliding over snow may favorably comprise one ortwo ribs separated by a central hollow. The one or two ribs may be inthe extension toward the front and toward the rear of the one or twolongitudinal parts of the platform.

[0024] The board for gliding may advantageously comprise a heightdiscontinuity between the front portion of the zone for fitting theplatform and the rear portion of the zone for fitting the platform. Inthis way, the thickness of the board for gliding over snow in the frontportion of the zone for fitting the platform may be greater than thethickness of the board for gliding over snow in the rear portion of thezone for fitting the platform.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention will be properly understood and its variousadvantages and different characteristics will become more apparentduring the following description of the non-limiting illustrativeembodiment, with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings inwhich:

[0026]FIG. 1 shows a top view of a platform according to a firstembodiment with bindings, mounted on a ski in partial view;

[0027]FIG. 2 shows a front lateral perspective view of the platform inFIG. 1, without the bindings and mounted on a ski in partial view;

[0028]FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively, show a left view and a right viewin transverse section in the plane III-III of the ski in FIG. 1;

[0029]FIG. 4 shows a top view of the platform according to the firstembodiment, mounted on a ski in partial view;

[0030]FIG. 5 shows a partial view in longitudinal section of theplatform in the plane V-V in FIG. 4;

[0031]FIG. 6 shows a top view of a platform according to a secondembodiment, mounted on a ski in partial view;

[0032]FIG. 7 shows a transverse-sectional view of a ski with a platformaccording to a third embodiment;

[0033]FIG. 8 shows a top view of a platform according to a fourthembodiment, mounted on a ski in partial view;

[0034]FIG. 9 shows a top view of a platform according to a fifthembodiment;

[0035]FIG. 10 shows a top view of a platform according to a sixthembodiment;

[0036]FIG. 11 shows a top view of a platform according to a seventhembodiment;

[0037]FIG. 12 shows a partial lateral view of a ski with a platformaccording to an eighth embodiment;

[0038]FIG. 13 shows a top view of a platform according to a ninthembodiment, mounted on a ski in partial view;

[0039]FIG. 14 shows a top view of the platform according to a tenthembodiment, mounted on a ski in partial view;

[0040]FIG. 15 shows a top view of a platform according to an eleventhembodiment, mounted on a ski in partial view;

[0041]FIG. 16 shows a partial view in longitudinal section of the skiand its platform in the plane XVI-XVI in FIG. 15;

[0042]FIG. 17 shows a transverse-sectional view of a ski with a platformaccording to a twelfth embodiment;

[0043]FIG. 18 shows a partial lateral view of a ski with a platformaccording to a thirteenth embodiment;

[0044]FIG. 19 shows a partial lateral view of a ski with a platformaccording to a fourteenth embodiment;

[0045]FIG. 20 shows a partial lateral view of a ski with a platformaccording to a fifteenth embodiment;

[0046]FIG. 21 shows a partial lateral view of a ski with a platformaccording to a sixteenth embodiment;

[0047]FIG. 22 shows a partial lateral view of a ski with a platformaccording to a seventeenth embodiment; and

[0048]FIG. 23 shows a transverse-sectional view in the plane XXIII-XXIIIin FIG. 20 of a ski with its platform according to the fifteenthembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] A board for gliding over snow, of conventional type (cf. FIGS. 1,2, 3A, 3B, 4, and 5), such as an alpine ski (1), comprises a front zoneincluding a tip, a middle zone called the underfoot zone (2), a rearzone, an upper surface (3) formed by a protective and decorative upperlayer (4), and a gliding sole (5). In the region of the underfoot zone(2) there is a platform (61) for raising the elements of the binding.

[0050] The platform (61) is placed on the upper surface. Therefore, andcontrary to the state of the art, this platform (61) has no need forsupports or holding pieces.

[0051] The elements of the binding, i.e. the front stop (7) and theheelpiece (8), are screwed onto the raising platform (61). In all thefigures, (A) denotes the front of the platform (61) oriented toward thetip, i.e. the part or zone toward which the front stop (7) of thebinding for the boot on the ski (1) is more particularly installed.

[0052] The platform (61) is divided into two along the centrallongitudinal axis of the ski (1) and therefore comprises two rigidlongitudinal parts (9 and 10). According to the invention, and in afirst embodiment, a bridge (11) connects the two rigid longitudinalparts (9 and 10) in their median zone. In other words, the platform (6)comprises two slots made in the region of its median longitudinal axis,i.e. also in the region of the median longitudinal axis of the ski (1),and emerging toward the front (A) and toward the rear.

[0053] The bridge (11) is positioned in a portion outside the securingfor the elements of the binding (7 and 8). In order to allowtransmission of the forces between one of the longitudinal parts (9) andthe edge (31) associated with it, the bridge (11) will be locatedbetween the zones of transmission of the forces (F) (see FIG. 5) of theskier on the platform (61), i.e. between the front and rear supports ofthe ski boot. The transmission of the forces (F) takes place partly viathe screws for securing the elements of the binding (7 and 8).

[0054] Although the positioning of the elements of the binding (7 and 8)and therefore of the boot may be variable, particularly by reason of thevarious boot sizes or of the adjustment desired by the skier, the bridge(11) is placed under the boot. This boot (11) is thus placed relativelycentrally with respect to the length of the two longitudinal parts (9and 10). The platform (61) seen from the top will have the form of across or of a regular X with four branches that are substantially thesame length.

[0055] The possibility of having two fairly distinct longitudinal parts(9 and 10) will mean that the bearing forces exerted by the skier on oneor other of the two longitudinal parts (9 or 10) will be transmitteddirectly to the edge (31) associated with it, and located just below,when, during a turn, the skier tilts his ski (1) onto this edge (31).The transmission of the forces is more particularly represented in FIG.3A, in which the skier, weighting the left edge (31), generates theforce (FL), with its force transmission line (LL) (shown in dashes)starting from the first longitudinal part (9) and continuing to the leftedge (31). In FIG. 3B, the skier, weighting the right edge (31),generates the force (FR), with its force transmission line (LR) (shownin dashes) starting from the second longitudinal part (10) andcontinuing to the right edge (31).

[0056] Thus, because of the partial mechanical separation of the twolongitudinal parts (9 and 10) which are thus for the most partfunctionally disconnected, the bearing forces and the forces generatedon one (9) of the longitudinal parts will be transmitted only veryslightly to the other (10) of the longitudinal parts.

[0057] In FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 23,the two longitudinal parts (9 and 10) are transversely clearly separatedfrom one another, with a distance between them. This chosen separationmeans that the platform (6) gains in lightness, owing to thequasi-absence of material and the lack of weight in the center of thetwo, front (A) and rear, ends.

[0058] In order to ensure that the platform (61) is held on the ski (1),the platform (61) is screwed directly onto the upper surface (3) of theski (1). The screws pass via through-holes made through each of the twolongitudinal parts (9 and 10) and through the bridge (11).

[0059] The platform (61) comprises four different anchoring zones (cf.FIGS. 4 and 6). Two first anchoring zones or securing means allow afixed positioning of the platform (61) relative to the ski (1). Thesefirst two anchoring zones consist of round holes (12). With these roundholes (12), which are sized and which have a diameter which issubstantially equal to the diameter of the securing screw, no movementof the platform (61) relative to the rest of the ski (1) is possible.One round hole (12) has thus been provided toward the front third ofeach of the two longitudinal parts (9 and 10) and a further two roundholes (12) have been provided at the rear of the bridge (11).

[0060] Two second anchoring zones or securing means allow a positioningwith sliding of the platform (61) relative to the ski (1). These twosecond anchoring zones consist of elongate holes (13). With theseelongate holes (13) , having a width which is substantially equal to thediameter of the securing screw and sized in terms of length so that theycan allow an offset of the platform (61), only a sliding in thelongitudinal direction of the platform (61) relative to the rest of theski (1) is possible. Two elongate holes (13) have thus been providedtoward the two, front and rear, ends of each of the two longitudinalparts (9 and 10).

[0061] Toward the front third of each of the two longitudinal parts (9and 10) and toward the rear of the bridge (11), the two fixed anchoringzones (12) add stiffness to the inherent stiffness of the ski (1). Inthe region of the two ends of each of the two longitudinal parts (9 and10), with the two sliding anchoring zones (13), the ski (1) is thus freeto deform without undergoing platform (61) stresses. The same platform(61) thus makes it possible to obtain different behaviors by means of asimple adjustment carried out by the end-user.

[0062] In a second embodiment (cf. FIG. 6), the platform (62) comprisestwo distinct rigid longitudinal parts (9 and 101) and the bridge (11)linking them. However, this platform (62) has an asymmetry of shapebetween the two longitudinal parts (9 and 101). The first longitudinalpart (9) has a length corresponding to the length of the twolongitudinal parts (9 and 10) of the first embodiment. The secondlongitudinal part (101) has a length which is shorter than that of thefirst longitudinal part (9). The first longitudinal part (9), the longerpart, is preferably on the side of the inner edge (31) of the ski (1).The second longitudinal part (101), the shorter part, is preferablyfitted on the side of the outer edge (31) of the ski (1). The two skis,the inner ski and the outer ski relative to the turn, bend differentlyand thus produce different turn radii.

[0063] In a third embodiment (cf. FIG. 7), the platform (63) comprisestwo distinct rigid longitudinal parts (92 and 102) and the bridge (11)linking them. However, this platform (63) has an asymmetry of shapebetween the two longitudinal parts (92 and 102). The first longitudinalpart (92) has a width greater than that of the two longitudinal parts (9and 10) of the first embodiment. The second longitudinal part (102) hasa width which is less than that of the two longitudinal parts (9 and 10)of the first embodiment. The second longitudinal part (102) ispreferably fitted on the side of the outer edge (31) of the ski (1).This makes it possible to obtain an inside ski during the turn which isdifferent from the outside ski during the turn and thus to havedifferent turn radii.

[0064] In a fourth embodiment (cf. FIG. 8), the platform (64) comprisestwo distinct rigid longitudinal parts (9 and 103). However, thisplatform (64) has an asymmetry of anchoring or, alternatively, anasymmetry of the fixing means between the two longitudinal parts (9 and103). The first longitudinal part (9) has the two anchoring zones (12and 13) corresponding to the two anchoring zones (12 and 13) alreadydescribed above for the first embodiment. The second longitudinal part(103) has no anchoring zones, or else has anchoring zones that are notused. This second longitudinal part (103) is, for example, adhesivelybonded to the ski (1). Provision may also be made for two differenttypes of adhesive bonding for each of the longitudinal parts. In thisway, the contacts and deformations of the ski differ between the insideski during turning and the outside ski during turning, the platformseparating the right bearing forces and the left bearing forces.

[0065] In a fifth embodiment (cf. FIG. 9), the platform (65) comprises abridge (11 a) positioned in the region of its front part (A). In otherwords, the platform (65) comprises a slot made in the region of itsmedian longitudinal axis, i.e. also in the region of the medianlongitudinal axis of the ski (1), and emerging toward the rear. Thispositioning of the bridge (11 a) makes it possible to enhance theinitiation of a curve by the ski (1).

[0066] In a sixth, preferred embodiment (cf. FIG. 10), the platform (66)comprises a bridge (11 b) positioned in the region of its rear part. Inother words, the platform (66) comprises a slot made in the region ofits median longitudinal axis, i.e. also in the region of the medianlongitudinal axis of the ski (1), and emerging toward the front (A).This positioning of the bridge (11 b) makes it possible to confer powerand a boost at the end of a turn.

[0067] In a seventh embodiment (cf. FIG. 11), the platform (67)comprises two bridges (11 a and 11 b) positioned, respectively, in theregion of its front part (A) and of its rear part. In other words, theplatform (67) comprises a slot made in the region of its medianlongitudinal axis, i.e. also in the region of the median longitudinalaxis of the ski (1), and in a central position.

[0068] The various bridges (11, 11 a and 11 b) have a lengthsubstantially between 5% and 30% of the length of each of the twolongitudinal parts (9 and 10). The bridges (11, 11 a and 11 b) extendfrom one longitudinal part (9) to the other longitudinal part (10), in aplane parallel to the gliding sole (5) of the ski (1). It will also benoted that there is a variation between the thickness of the rigid upperface (20) of each of the two longitudinal parts (9 and 10) and thethickness of the bridge (11) (cf. FIG. 5). The bridges (11, 11 a and 11b), like the two longitudinal parts (9 and 10), are produced in a lightalloy, for example aluminum, in a single piece with the two longitudinalparts (9 and 10). The bridges (11, 11 a and 11 b) may also be providedin the form of attached pieces fixed by screws or, alternatively,adhesively bonded to the two longitudinal parts (9 and 10), and are madefrom a different material.

[0069] In an eighth embodiment (cf. FIG. 12), each of the twolongitudinal parts (9 and 10) and the bridge of the platform (68)comprise three recesses (14, 16 and 17) located in the region of itsface of contact with the upper surface (3) of the ski (1). Between therecesses (14, 16 and 17), the two longitudinal parts (9 and 10) compriserigid sectors (15) connected to the rigid upper face (20) of each of thetwo longitudinal parts (9 and 10) and of the bridge (11).

[0070] The recess (14) is located at the front (A) of the twolongitudinal parts (9 and 10) of the platform (6). The recess (16) islocated in the center of the two longitudinal parts (9 and 10) and ofthe bridge (11) of the platform (6). The recess (17) is located to therear of the two longitudinal parts (9 and 10) of the platform (6) . Theshape of the central recess (16) is also arranged so as substantially tonotch the upper face (20) of the two longitudinal parts (9 and 10).

[0071] The recesses (14, 16 and 17) may be filled with one or morematerials having properties of elasticity and damping. By way ofexample, in the central (16) and rear (17) recesses, use will be made ofa material which will be described as “low-level damping material”, i.e.having properties of elasticity with an intrinsic damping coefficient tgδ<0.4, preferably tg δ between 0.1 and 0.4, measured using standard NF T46 026 (at temperatures of −30° C. to +10° C. and at frequencies of 0.1Hz to 120 Hz). This will allow a rebound, dynamic range and rapidtransmission of impulses of the skier's foot. Elastomers such as naturalrubbers, polychloroprenes, butyl rubbers or EPDM will be materialssuited for such uses.

[0072] Additionally, by way of example, in the front recess (14) usewill be made of a material which will be described as “viscoelastic” or“damping”, i.e. having properties of elasticity with an intrinsicdamping coefficient tg δ>0.4, preferably tg δ between 0.8 and 1,measured using standard NF T 46 026 (at temperatures of −30° C. to +10°C. and at frequencies of 0.1 Hz to 120 Hz). This will allow damping ofthe vibrations originating from the ski (1) and will give the skier agreater level of comfort. Elastomers such as chlorobutyls, nitrites orpolyisoprenes will be suitable materials for such uses.

[0073] In another embodiment (not shown), the platform comprises twodistinct rigid longitudinal parts. However, this platform has anasymmetry of structure between the two longitudinal parts. Use may bemade of two different materials for each of the two longitudinal parts.Different stiffnesses will be envisaged, with a first longitudinal partproduced by way of example from polyamide and a second longitudinal partproduced from aluminum. Further, by way of example, one of thelongitudinal parts with its recesses may have damping properties, whilstthe other of the longitudinal parts with its recesses may have reboundproperties.

[0074] In a ninth embodiment (cf. FIG. 13), the bridge (11) is locatedat the front (A) of the platform (69), in a manner substantially similarto the fifth embodiment. Each of the two longitudinal parts (9 and 10)is itself divided transversely into two transverse pieces (18 and 19).Each of these transverse pieces (18 and 19) is separate from the other,with a certain distance between them.

[0075] The spaces located between the transverse pieces (18 and 19) arefilled with one or more materials (21) having properties of elasticityand/or damping. This material (21) makes it possible physically tosecure the transverse pieces (18 and 19) whilst allowing them freedom ofmovement.

[0076] In a tenth embodiment (cf. FIG. 14), the platform (70) comprisestwo distinct rigid longitudinal parts. However, this platform (70) hasan asymmetry of the number of component pieces between the twolongitudinal parts. The first longitudinal part (9) has the samedimensional and structural characteristics as the longitudinal parts (9and 10) of the first embodiment.

[0077] The second longitudinal part is itself divided into twotransverse pieces (18 and 19). The two transverse pieces (18 and 19) ofthis second longitudinal part are preferably fitted on the side of theoutside edge (31) of the ski (1).

[0078] In an eleventh embodiment (cf. FIGS. 15 and 16), the twolongitudinal parts (9 and 10) and the bridge (11) of the platform (71)are of the type described above in the first embodiment. The ski (22) onwhich they are fixed has a height discontinuity (H) in the middle of itsunderfoot zone (23). Consequently, the ski (22) will have, in its frontunderfoot zone (23), a thickness which is greater than the thickness ofthe rear underfoot zone (24).

[0079] The two longitudinal parts (9 and 10) and the bridge (11), in allor in part, of the platform (71) are fitted to the rear, overhanging, oralternatively they may rest at the rear on a thickness of material (26)having properties of elasticity. Use will preferably be made of amaterial (26) having properties of elasticity with an intrinsic dampingcoefficient tg δ<0.4, preferably tg δ between 0.1 and 0.4, measuredusing standard NF T 46 026 (at temperatures of −30° C. to +10° C. andfrequencies of 0.1 Hz to 120 Hz).

[0080] In the majority of cases, the two longitudinal parts (9 and 10)are transversely separated from one another by two spacings (34) to thefront and to the rear of the bridge (11) when the latter is in thecentral position in accordance with the first embodiment. When thesespacings (34) are left free, the upper surface (3) of the upperprotective and decorative layer (4) is visible, which createsinteresting esthetic effects. The spacings (34) may also be filled withone or more materials, in the form of an attached element, which istransparent or may optionally be colored, and preferably a material witha low flexural strength.

[0081] In a twelfth embodiment (cf. FIG. 17, in which a “Dualtec®”-typeski (1) is more particularly shown), the spacings (34) are filled by aconvex zone (36) of the ski (1). This convex zone (36) protrudes betweenthe two longitudinal parts (9 and 10) of the platform (61), like that ofthe first embodiment, relative to the upper surface (3) of the upperprotective and decorative layer (4). This makes it possible to prevent,for example, snow and ice becoming packed into the zone of the spacings(.34) whilst preserving the partial mechanical separation of the twolongitudinal parts (9 and 10).

[0082] In a thirteenth embodiment (cf. FIG. 18), the platform (73) witheach of the two longitudinal parts (37 and 38) is extended laterally viaa lateral portion or an appendix, respectively, (39 and 41). The twolateral portions (39 and 41) descend over each of the two lateral sidesof the ski (1) toward the edges (31). The longitudinal location of thelateral sides (39 and 41) may correspond to the longitudinal location ofthe bridge (11).

[0083] To allow this arrangement, the ski (1) comprises, laterally, twohollowed zones, i.e. two lateral notches (44) located over the sides(33), having a similar shape that complements the two lateral portions(39 and 41) and which allow a positioning of these two lateral portions(39 and 41) of the two longitudinal parts (37 and 38). The two lateralportions (39 and 41) bear more directly via their edge or lower section(43) on the ski (1), over the lateral sides (33). The lower edge (43) islocated only in a portion (41) of the lateral edge of the twolongitudinal parts (38), being deployed downwards toward the edges (31).

[0084] It will be noted that the edges (43) of the two lateral portions(39 and 41) may be parallel to the gliding surface (5) of the ski (1).The edges (43) of the two lateral portions (39 and 41) may also not beparallel to the gliding surface (5) of the ski (1) and, in such a case,a lower edge (43) of the two longitudinal parts (38) is not parallel tothe surface of the gliding sole (5).

[0085] The lower edge (43) then has, in a longitudinal plane, a non-zeroangle of inclination (α) relative to the surface of the gliding sole (5)or relative to the upper surface (3) of the upper protective anddecorative layer (4) of the ski (1). This angle (α) is substantiallybetween 1 and 20°, and preferably substantially between 2 and 5°.

[0086] This lateral portion (29) is positioned substantially in themiddle of the two longitudinal parts (28) for example in the region ofthe bridge (11). This makes it possible to transfer the right and leftimpulses imparted by the skier directly toward the right and left edges(31) of the ski (1).

[0087] In a fourteenth embodiment (cf. FIG. 19), substantially withreference to the thirteenth embodiment described above, the platform(74) with each of the two longitudinal parts (38) comprises a lateralportion (41). These two lateral portions (41) are more particularlypositioned in the region of the zone of installation of the front stopof the binding for the boot on the ski (1) of each of the twolongitudinal parts (38). This makes it possible more efficiently totransfer the impulses toward the front part of the right and left edges(31) of the ski (1) imparted by the skier when initiating a turn.

[0088] In a fifteenth embodiment (cf. FIGS. 20 and 23), substantiallywith reference to the thirteenth embodiment described above, theplatform (75) with each of the two longitudinal parts (37 and 38)comprises a lateral portion (41). These two lateral portions (41) aremore particularly positioned in the region of the zone of installationof the rear heelpiece of the binding for the boot on the ski (1) of eachof the two longitudinal parts (37 and 38). This makes it possible moreefficiently to transfer the impulses toward the rear part of the rightand left edges (31) of the ski (1) imparted by the skier when exiting aturn.

[0089] In a sixteenth embodiment (cf. FIG. 21), substantially withreference to the thirteenth embodiment described above, the platform(76) with each of the two longitudinal parts (38) comprises two lateralportions (41 a and 41 b). These four lateral portions (41 a and 41 b)are more particularly positioned in the region of the zones ofinstallation of the front stop and of the rear heelpiece of the bindingsfor the boot on the ski (1) of each of the two longitudinal parts (38).This makes it possible more efficiently to transfer the impulses bothtoward the front and toward the rear of the right and left edges (31)imparted by the skier when initiating and exiting a turn.

[0090] In a seventeenth embodiment (cf. FIG. 22), substantially withreference to the sixteenth embodiment described above, the platform (77)with each of the two longitudinal parts (38) comprises two lateralportions (41 a and 41 b) which are more particularly positioned in theregion of the zones of installation of the front stop and rear heelpieceof the bindings for the boot on the ski (1) of each of the twolongitudinal parts (38).

[0091] In FIGS. 18, 19, 20 and 21, the sides (33) have a constantheight. In FIG. 22, the sides (33) have a variable height that issmaller in the region of the lateral portions (41 a and 41 b) andgreater in the center, to the front and to the rear of the platform. Theupper protective and decorative layer (4) in this case matches the shapeof the sides (33).

[0092] In all the embodiments (cf., however, more particularly, FIGS.13, 19, 20, 21 and 22, the upper surface (3) of the ski (1) comprisestwo ribs (27 and 28) separated by a central hollow or dip (29). The tworibs (27 and 28) are in the forward extension toward the tip and in therearward extension of each of the two longitudinal parts (18 and 38) ofthe platform (69, 74, 75, 76 and 77).

[0093] In order to obtain a particularly interesting esthetic effect(cf. more particularly FIGS. 19, 20, 21 and 22), the upper surface (3)of the ski (1) is substantially flush with the rigid upper face (20) ofthe two longitudinal parts (37 and 38) of the platform (74, 75, 76 and77).

[0094] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments describedand illustrated. A number of modifications may be made without therebydeparting from the field defined by the scope of the set of claims.

[0095] The various embodiments described above may be combined with oneanother. Moreover, the platform (6) may be fitted on all types of ski(1), “Dualtec®”-type skis, “rectangular-section” skis and“shell-structure” skis.

1. A raising platform for fitting on the upper surface (3) of a board(1) for gliding over snow in order to receive and to raise the bindings(7, 8) securing a user's boot to the board (1) for gliding over snow,wherein it is divided into two longitudinal parts (9, 10) that are eachplaced directly on the upper surface (3) of the board (1) for glidingover snow (1) and that are connected together by at least one bridge(11, 11 a, 11 b).
 2. The platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein itcomprises a bridge (11) located under the boot, positioned between thelines for transmitting a force from the user's boot on the platform(61).
 3. The platform as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein it comprises abridge (11 a) located at the front end (A) of the two longitudinal parts(9, 10).
 4. The platform as claimed in one of the preceding claims,wherein it comprises a bridge (11 b) located at the rear end of the twolongitudinal parts (9, 10).
 5. The platform as claimed in one of thepreceding claims, wherein the bridge or bridges (11, 11 a, 11 b) are ina single piece with each of the two longitudinal parts (9, 10) and arein a plane parallel to the gliding sole (5) and to the upper surface (3)of the board (1) for gliding over snow.
 6. The platform as claimed inone of the preceding claims, wherein the bridge or bridges (11) have atleast one recess.
 7. The platform as claimed in one of the precedingclaims, wherein at least one of the two longitudinal parts (9, 10)comprises at least one recess (14, 16, 17) located in the region of itsface of contact with the upper surface (3) of the board (1) for glidingover snow, and in that one or more of said recesses (14, 16, 17) arefilled with one or more materials which have properties of elasticityand damping.
 8. The platform as claimed in one of the preceding claims,wherein a spacing (34) is provided between the two longitudinal parts(9, 10) which are separated from one another, and in that the spacing(34) is filled by a convex zone (36) of the board (1) for gliding oversnow which projects relative to the upper surface (3) of the upperprotective and decorative layer of the board (1) for gliding over snowor in that the spacing (34) is filled by one or more materials with lowflexural strength.
 9. The platform as claimed in one of the precedingclaims, wherein at least one of the two longitudinal parts (9, 10) isdivided transversely into at least two transverse pieces (18, 19), andin that a space or spaces located between at least one of the transversepieces (18, 19) which are separated from one another are filled with oneor more materials (21) which have properties of elasticity and damping.10. The platform as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein itis secured to a board (1) for gliding over snow having a thickness inthe region of the front portion (23) of the zone for fitting theplatform (6) greater than the thickness in the region of the rearportion (24) of the zone for fitting the platform (6).
 11. The platformas claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of thetwo longitudinal parts (9, 10) comprises two anchoring zones (12, 13),at least a first anchoring zone (12) allowing a fixed positioningrelative to the board (1) for gliding over snow and at least a secondanchoring zone (13) allowing a positioning with sliding relative to theboard (1) for gliding over snow, and in that at least one of theanchoring zones (13) is arranged in the region of the bridge or bridges(11).
 12. The platform as claimed in one of the preceding claims,wherein at least one of the two longitudinal parts (9, 10) has a tubularstructure over a part of or over all its length and over a part of orover all its width.
 13. The platform as claimed in one of the precedingclaims, wherein at least one of the two longitudinal parts (9, 10)extends laterally via at least one lateral portion (39, 41, 41 a, 41 b)descending over each of the two lateral sides toward the edges (31) ofthe board (1) for gliding over snow, in that at least one of the lateralportions (39, 41, 41 a, 41 b) may bear on the board (1) for gliding oversnow above the lateral sides (33), and in that one or more of thelateral portions (39, 41, 41 a, 41 b) are each located in the region ofthe bridge or bridges (11, 11 a, 11 b).
 14. The platform as claimed inclaim 13, wherein the lower edge (43) of the lateral portion or portions(41) of at least one of the two longitudinal parts (9, 10) has, in alongitudinal plane, a non-zero angle of inclination (α) relative to thegliding sole (5) of the board (1) for gliding over snow.
 15. Theplatform as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein at least one of the twolongitudinal parts (9, 10) extends laterally via a lateral portion (41a) positioned in the region of the zone for installation of the frontstop (7) of the binding for the boot on the board (1) for gliding oversnow.
 16. The platform as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein at leastone of the two longitudinal parts (9, 10) extends laterally via alateral portion (41 b) positioned in the region of the zone forinstallation of the rear heelpiece (8) of the binding for the boot onthe board (1) for gliding over snow.
 17. The platform as claimed inclaim 13 or 14, wherein at least one of the two longitudinal parts (9,10) extends laterally via a lateral portion (41 a) positioned in theregion of the zone for installation of the front stop (7) of the bindingfor the boot on the board (1) for gliding over snow and via a lateralportion (41 b) positioned in the region of the zone for installation ofthe rear heelpiece (8) of the binding for the boot on the board (1) forgliding over snow.
 18. The platform as claimed in one of the precedingclaims, wherein it has an asymmetry between the two longitudinal parts.19. The platform as claimed in claim 16, wherein it has an asymmetry oflength between the two longitudinal parts (9, 101) and/or an asymmetryof width between the two longitudinal parts (92, 102) and/or anasymmetry of the means for fitting between the two longitudinal parts(9, 103) and/or an asymmetry in the number of transverse pieces betweenthe two longitudinal parts (9, 18, 19) and/or an asymmetry of structureand of materials between the two longitudinal parts.
 20. A board forgliding over snow, wherein it is equipped with a platform (61, 62, 63,64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77) as claimed in one ofthe preceding claims.
 21. The board for gliding over snow as claimed inclaim 20, wherein it has, on at least one of the two sides, a lateralnotch (32, 44) located over the sides (33) and allowing a positioning ofthe respective lateral portion (41, 41 a, 41 b) of at least one of thetwo longitudinal parts (37, 38) of the platform (75).
 22. The board forgliding over snow as claimed in either of claims 20 and 21, wherein itsupper surface (3) is substantially flush with the rigid upper face (20)of at least one of the two longitudinal parts (38) of the platform (74).23. The board for gliding over snow as claimed in one of claims 20 to22, wherein its upper surface (3) comprises one or two ribs (27, 28)which are separated by a central hollow (29), the one or two ribs (27,28) being in the extension toward the front and toward the rear of theone or two longitudinal parts (18, 19) of the platform (69).
 24. Theboard for gliding over snow as claimed in one of claims 20 to 23,wherein it comprises a height discontinuity (H) between the frontportion (23) of the zone for fitting the platform (71) and the rearportion (24) of the zone for fitting the platform (71) such that thethickness of the board (22) for gliding over snow in the front portion(23) of the zone for fitting the platform (71) is greater than thethickness of the board (22) for gliding over snow in the rear portion(24) of the zone for fitting the platform (71).